Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The readings of the day invite us to be sensitive to the needs of others. In the first reading the generosity and sensitivity of the Shunem couple made prophet Elisha to bring blessings to them. In the second reading Paul recounts how, Christ was sensitive to offer us a new life through our baptism. Jesus was sensitive to the will of God that let him come and offer himself as a ransom for many.
Today’s Gospel is the conclusion of the instructions and consolations that we have heard Jesus offering to his disciples during the past few weeks. In this passage, Jesus summarizes both the costs of discipleship and its rewards. Once again, our understanding of the Gospel is strengthened by considering the context in which it was written and the perspective of Matthew’s audience.
The conditions of discipleship outlined in Matthew’s Gospel may appear harsh. Yet they underline for us a truth—choosing anything with one’s whole heart has consequences. Choosing life with Christ means that every relationship we have must be understood from a new perspective. For many in Matthew’s community, this choice brought division to their family.
Matthew also outlines the reward of hospitality offered to Jesus’ followers. In today’s Gospel, Jesus explains the difficulties of discipleship, yet reveals that those who welcome the disciples have also welcomed him.
Today’s Gospel also highlights for us the importance of hospitality in the Christian life. To welcome another in Jesus’ name is to extend hospitality to Jesus himself. We have many opportunities in our daily life to reach out to others, to be a welcoming presence and a sign of God’s love.
If we really give a serious thought to our Christian living today, it could really be a big challenge. A remarkable thinker of the past century, Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes in his book The Cost of Discipleship, “being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God’s will”. Let us pay heed to the precious question from the word today. Are we ready to welcome God, to welcome God’s message and to welcome God’s messengers. What would our response be? (Source: Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Up and coming Concert in the Basilica
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 2nd July after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. All Welcome.
Basilica Guardians
Seeking guardians for Wednesdays and Thursday 1pm to 3pm. We require two volunteers for each session. If you can assist, please contact the Parish Office om 9335 2268.
Planned Giving
The Planned Giving Programme is an important part of the Parish and assists us to maintain all aspects of the Basilica, Presbytery and Parish Administration Centre. To keep the Parish viable, we must maintain a target of 95% and above each week. Last week giving was 100%.
Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. For more information contact the Parish Office. Thank you!
EFT First Collection Details
BSB: 086 006
A/c No: 56187 5405
Reference: 1st Collection and your name
First Collection supports the Priests.
EFT Second Collection Details
BSB: 066 107
A/c No: 0080 0216
Reference: 2nd Collection and your name
Second Collection supports the Parish.
Regarding Masks
Masks are not mandatory; however, masks are encouraged where physical distancing is not possible if you have cold & flu symptoms, or you wish to safeguard yourself from the COVID-19 virus.
Safeguarding of our children in the Parish
The Archdiocesan Safeguarding Project was started in 2016 by Archbishop Timothy Costello SDB with the aim of providing a safe and secure environment for all its members, leaders and especially children and vulnerable adults. The parish of St Patrick’s Basilica is committed to creating a safe parish. To read more please click here.
COMING EVENTS
Sunday 2 July: Parish Morning Tea.